Compare total referrer instances to total page views

Definition of metrics

Total page views: The total number of s.t() calls generated within the reporting period.

Total referrer instances: The number of times URL was seen in the s.referrer variable that did not match internal URL filters.

Comparison of metrics

Total page views higher than total referrer instances: This comparison is expected behavior, as referrer instances do not include hits that match internal URL filters. Take the following for example:

A user comes to your site via google.com. A page view and referrer instance is fired.

That user clicks a link that leads to one of your product pages. Another page view is counted, but a referrer instance is not.

The user refreshes the product page. Another page view is counted, but a referrer instance is not.

Note three page views were counted but only one referrer instance.

Total referrer instances higher than total page views: This comparison is not possible in reporting, as referrer instances always have a pageview associated with them. In addition, s.tl() requests do not pass the referrer variable, even when specified in s.linkTrackVars.